Sports and Children Who Wear Eye Glasses – What’s Best?
Playing sports and wearing eye glasses doesn’t often go hand in hand. Glasses can break easily, especially in contact sports. Protecting eyes in sport is critical!
There are several options available to you if your child plays sports and you want to be sure to keep their glasses, and eyes, safe. In this article we will talk about the options, and some of the pros and cons of each to help you make a decision that suits your family best.
Options for Protecting eyes in sport
- Prescription goggles
Prescription goggles are likely the most practical substitute for glasses while playing sports. They are easy to put on, stay on well during vigorous exercise, and have a significant visual area- meaning less of a potential blind spot. They also fit under helmets well, so even kids playing contact sports can wear them without concerns of them falling off mid-game. The drawback to these is that as the child’s prescription changes, you may need to buy a new set of goggles, as well.
- Contact lenses
Contact lenses are the ideal option for most sports, however they come with a bit of a learning curve that can be difficult to manage with kids. However optometrists have found that kids adapt well to wearing contacts at a young age, and are often better than adults at caring for them, so this could be a very good option for your child if they feel they are mature enough to keep up with the responsibility. Make an appointment with your optometrist to see if this is a good route for your child.
TIP: Children in Ontario qualify for free eye exams (OHIP covered). If you’re looking for options to protect your child during play, it’s a great time to get an eye exam to ensure you have a proper prescription!
- Face mask
In some contact sports like hockey or ringette, wearing a facemask to protect the glasses is a good option. This allows kids to still wear their prescription glasses but not worry that they’re going to get knocked off by an errant elbow or puck. It’s also a more budget-friendly choice, because you don’t have to worry about buying new goggles every time their prescription changes.
- Safety glasses
Sports like tennis, badminton, and squash that involve physical activity but not too much contact or falling down might call for something along the lines of safety glasses to protect both their eyes and their glasses. This is a relatively cheap solution that can provide maximum support. Kids might not like the feel of wearing 2 sets of glasses though, so test it out before you commit to a whole game with a pair.
- Tinted Glasses
Some sports like golf or cycling don’t really require anything heavy duty to protect the glasses, but do need to be played with tinted glasses or sunglasses. You can opt for lenses that adjust in the sunlight, or invest in a second pair of prescription sunglasses to fit this need. This is a great option for outdoor sports that may involve looking towards the sun, or being exposed to regular sunlight, since too much sun isn’t good for their eyes. But tinted glasses won’t help too much with contact or water sports.
Choosing the right eye protection for sports doesn’t have to be difficult!
Making the decision to invest in proper eye protection for children who play sports with glasses may seem like a confusing process, but it doesn’t have to be. Much of the choice involves considering which sport your child plays, and which option suits that sport the best. Make an appointment about which options you’re considering, and they’ll help you pick the best one for your child.